The ultimate prize...

When I last left schwangston blog readers, I had just pinned on a race number and gotten in the pack. I had four more chances to achieve my goal of a top five finish in the weekly B race. Two races ago, I raced super aggressive, followed every attack, chased everyone down, just trying to get in that elusive breakaway to achieve my goal. Unfortunately, all the breakaways came back, and I was exhausted on the last lap. I finished 21st out of 39. Last week, the B race was the largest in 3 years - total of 48 riders. I tried to be more measured in my efforts and only follow two guys (top finishers in the past races). Again, no breaks stayed away, and a crazy mass sprint rolled to the finish. I mixed it up to finish - 9th out of the 40+ pack.

Fast forward to last night. It has been raining the past 3-4 days, so training has been at a minimum. Ominous clouds looked to threaten to take my chance at glory. Luckily, the thunderstorms that seemed to be all over DFW just barely missed our 1.8mi circuit. The weather was cool (80s), and I was feeling pretty fresh from my days off.

After the raced started, I decided to again follow two of the top guys, but only on the initial two of eleven laps. If there was a crazy sprint, I'd be fresher for it this time. When the crazy accelerate/decelerate games started, instead of being pushed to the back after the effort, I felt stronger. I was on top of my game, like the kid in class that knows the answers to the pop-quiz. I decided to sit in, let the other eager fellas try to break the group up, and conserve energy.

Patience in racing is difficult. I am a patient person in most areas, even to Mrs. Schwangston's aggravation sometimes. But on a bike, I want to go fast and be at the front, if able. Sitting in and counting laps down (fool me once...) instead of sprinting to follow everybody was tough. But I waited, and each time the group would chase the aggressors back.

Going into the last lap, I positioned myself 6th from the front. That way I could cruise around the course and put my sprint down on the last 50yds to glory. As I accelerated, I kept waiting for guys to zip by me as they've done in the past few races. Instead, I was reeling them in 5th, 4th, 3rd, now 2nd! So much that in the last few feet, I was pulling the only other guy in front of me back. I tried to kick one last time and lunge for the line, but I was just short. Second. Briefly disappointed because I came so close, but very happy that I was able to break in to the top 5 after several unsuccessful attempts.

In the C race (group I raced last year), you raced for medals. B and A races get money for a top 3 finish. I was going to get paid. First place got $10, I got $5. After 10 years of riding my bike, my first payday equaled a six year old's allowance. Guess I'll have to keep the day job until Carter can support me.

Thanks for reading...(about cycling again!)